Abstract Art
ABSTRACT STYLE
Beginning in the early 20th century, abstract art became a leading style of modernism. Rather than portray the world in a way that represented reality, as had been the dominating style of Western art in the previous centuries, abstract paintings, prints and sculptures are marked by a shift to geometric forms, gestural shapes and experimentation with color to express ideas, subject matter and scenes.
Although abstract art flourished in the early 1900s, propelled by movements like Fauvism and Cubism, it was rooted in the 19th century. In the 1840s, J.M.W. Turner emphasized light and motion for atmospheric paintings in which concrete details were blurred, and Paul Cézanne challenged traditional expectations of perspective in the 1890s.
Some of the earliest abstract artists — Wassily Kandinsky and Hilma af Klint — expanded on these breakthroughs while using vivid colors and forms to channel spiritual concepts. Painter Piet Mondrian, a Dutch pioneer of the art movement, explored geometric abstraction partly owing to his belief in Theosophy, which is grounded in a search for higher spiritual truths and embraces philosophers of the Renaissance period and medieval mystics. Black Square, a daringly simple 1913 work by Russian artist Kazimir Malevich, was a watershed statement on creating art that was free “from the dead weight of the real world,” as he later wrote.
Surrealism in the 1920s, led by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Meret Oppenheim and others, saw painters creating abstract pieces in order to connect to the subconscious. When Abstract Expressionism emerged in New York during the mid-20th century, it similarly centered on the process of creation, in which Helen Frankenthaler’s expressive “soak-stain” technique, Jackson Pollock’s drips of paint, and Mark Rothko’s planes of color were a radical new type of abstraction.
Conceptual art, Pop art, Hard-Edge painting and many other movements offered fresh approaches to abstraction that continued into the 21st century, with major contemporary artists now exploring it, including Anish Kapoor, Mark Bradford, El Anatsui and Julie Mehretu.
Find original abstract paintings, sculptures, prints and other art on 1stDibs.
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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Abstract
Falling Leaves
By Ira Barkoff
Located in Greenwich, CT
Born in 1934 in Brooklyn, New York, Ira Barkoff’s paintings feature empty, Zen-like landscapes whose stillness reflects a location’s essence. Barkoff seeks to “portray a sense of vas...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Evergreen
By Ira Barkoff
Located in Greenwich, CT
Born in 1934 in Brooklyn, New York, Ira Barkoff’s paintings feature empty, Zen-like landscapes whose stillness reflects a location’s essence. Barkoff seeks to “portray a sense of vas...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Dusk
By Ira Barkoff
Located in Greenwich, CT
Born in 1934 in Brooklyn, New York, Ira Barkoff’s paintings feature empty, Zen-like landscapes whose stillness reflects a location’s essence. Barkoff seeks to “portray a sense of vas...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Spring in Yves Saint Laurent" French Haute Couture Gown Oil Painting on Paper
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
Exploring the purity of the feminine form and the drama of French haute couture, artist Cindy Shaoul creates a dialogue between the figurative and the abstract. Her spirited composit...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Oil, Archival Paper
Baño de Colores
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Untitled (Yellow, Gray and Pink)
By Gene Davis
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Yellow, Gray and Pink)
Pastel on paper, 1981
Signed and dated lower right
Condition: Excellent
Sheet size: 12 x 18 inches
Frame size: 15 x 21 inches
Provenance: Jan Cowles
...
Category
1980s Abstract Art
Materials
Pastel
Big Bird on Blue
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Der Blaue Reiter, Woodblock by Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Long Island City, NY
Wassily Kandinsky, Russian (1866 - 1944) - Der Blaue Reiter, Year: 1911, Medium: Woodblock on Japon, signed in the plate, Image Size: 10.75 x 8.25 inches, Size: 12.75 x 9.75 in. (32...
Category
1910s Abstract Art
Materials
Woodcut
Memorial Day Rush #2
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
The Party #2
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Memorial Day Rush #1
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Inspired by the Universe #2
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Inspired by the Universe #1
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Bosque de Bamboo
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
The Other (me) #2
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled (Martha Jackson Gallery Poster)
By Walasse Ting
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Martha Jackson Gallery Poster)
Lithograph, 1960
Signed and dated in red crayon by the artist
Edition 90 (63/90)
1st state before letters for the poster created for the Mart...
Category
1960s Abstract Art
Materials
Lithograph
The Other (me) #1
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Emperor 7
By John Platt
Located in Westport, CT
This beautiful multi colored abstract oil painting is by John Platt, a Brooklyn artist who studied at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and has exhibited extensively in New York.
This ...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Plate 11 from 23 Gravures, Etching by Wassily Kandinsky
Located in Long Island City, NY
Wassily Kandinsky, Russian (1866 - 1944) - Plate 11 from 23 Gravures, Year: 1935, Medium: Etching, signed and dated in plate, Image Size: 9.25 x 7.75 inches, Size: 12.75 x 11.25 in....
Category
1930s Abstract Art
Materials
Etching
Metropolitan
By John Platt
Located in Westport, CT
This beautiful multi colored abstract oil painting is by John Platt, a Brooklyn artist who studied at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and has exhibited extensively in New York.
This ...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Voss
By John Platt
Located in Westport, CT
This beautiful multi colored abstract oil painting is by John Platt, a Brooklyn artist who studied at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and has exhibited extensively in New York.
This ...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Lily Pond
By John Platt
Located in Westport, CT
This beautiful multi colored abstract oil painting is by John Platt, a Brooklyn artist who studied at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and has exhibited extensively in New York.
This ...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Green Fields
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Red Fields
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
I’m Different and It’s Different, but We Are Both the Same
By Brian Jerome
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Everyday we wake up in a room. It's the same, similar. but its different. and every time you wake up in the room there are more memories.
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Oil, Acrylic
Serenade 3
By John Platt
Located in Westport, CT
This beautiful multi colored abstract oil painting is by John Platt, a Brooklyn artist who studied at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and has exhibited extensively in New York.
This ...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Ruz. Green Colors Black and Red original abstract acrylic canvas painting
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Green Colors black and red original abstract acrylic canvas painting. framed
contemporary work by the artist Rafael RUZ
Perfect state
RUZ, Rafael (Barcelona 1956)
While contemplati...
Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Round Blue Cityscape
By Donald Stoltenberg
Located in Milford, NH
A nice abstract oil painting by American artist Donald Hugo Stoltenberg (1927-2016). Stoltenberg was born in Milwaukee, WI, attended public grade school in Chicago, and High School i...
Category
1960s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Footloose, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Lisa Daniels
Located in Yardley, PA
A lively dancing fellow created from brushstrokes lets him dance around a room in simple black and white form. :: Painting :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificat...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Acrylic
Play #11 Contemporary Original Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Roselle Park, NJ
This series focuses on the idea of play and the emotions involved in the act of playing. We often forget the importance of relaxing the mind, of letting go of our troubles, of being ...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Oil
The Light Below, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Lisa Daniels
Located in Yardley, PA
Inspired by our beautiful ocean life I wrote this descriptive poem to share my inspiration: Ocean Forest Dark as Night There’s A clearing with some light The seaweed parts as sh...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Acrylic
Sous l´antique désert, by Christian Bozon
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Signed, titled and numbered by the artist.
Image size: 4.75 x 4.5 inches
Medium: aquatint and drypoint
Year: 2014
Edition size: 50
Abstract image invoking scenery of the Mediterrane...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Drypoint, Aquatint
Ruz Vertical Green and Gray original abstract acrylic painting
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Ruz- green and gray original abstract acrylic painting. Virtual frame
Original work of the artist RUZ
Acrylic on paper
Perfect state
While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Acrylic, Cardboard
Threes A Crowd, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Lisa Daniels
Located in Yardley, PA
A soft neutral colored painting to add a touch of modern to decor. I wrote this descriptive poem to share my inspiration: One alone is not that great Two together with your mate T...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Acrylic
Violet 2, Painting, Acrylic on Watercolor Paper
By Lisa Bolin
Located in Yardley, PA
A dreamy burst of colour beautifully framed and ready to add a pop of violet--colour of the year--to that special space you have in mind. The wash of tones range from lilac to orchi...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Acrylic
Rainbow Crackle - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
Rainbow Crackle - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas
Vibrant and colorful composition by California artist Charles "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018). A multi...
Category
1990s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
'EVEN THE HEART SKIPS A BEAT'
By RETNA
Located in New York, NY
'EVEN THE HEART SKIPS A BEAT' is a signature stylistic print by RETNA. The large-scale glittering artwork is a silkscreen print with layers of genuine diamond dust. This exquisite p...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Screen
Untitled Abstract Oil by Naohiko Inukai
Located in Hudson, NY
A richly colored abstraction by Japanese artist Naohiko Inukai. This early work demonstrates the artist's fluidity and expression with paint prior to when he begain his hard-edge wor...
Category
1960s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Caldentey Vertical Ocher Golden original neo-expressionist acrylic
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
chair- original neo-expressionist acrylic painting
contemporary work by the mallorquin artist Toni CALDENTEY
Painting on paper
Perfect state
CALDENTEY, Toni - (Portocolom, Mallorc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
Lavender Beach 2, Painting, Acrylic on Watercolor Paper
By Lisa Bolin
Located in Yardley, PA
Painted with acrylics, in a watercolour technique has given a richness and depth to this framed piece. It is part of a pair. Look for the matching listing by the same name. This heav...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Acrylic
"Looming Bluff" 1960s Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting, Orange, Umber, Green
Located in Denver, CO
Vintage 1960s Mid century modern oil on canvas abstract expressionist painting by Walter Blakelock Wilson (1929-2011). Painted in rich jewel tones of Sapphire blue, emerald green, umber, gold, yellow, and brown juxtaposed with neutral shades of tan, creamy white, olive and beige. Signed and dated by the artist, "W.B. Wilson '62". Presented in a custom gold leaf frame; outer dimensions measure 45 ½ x 37 ½ inches. Canvas size is 43 ¼ x 35 ¼ inches. Colors included Orange, red, golden yellow, reddish brown, green, gray, beige, camel, teal blue and white.
About the Artist:
Walter Blakelock Wilson (1929-2011) was born in Auburn...
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
2-sided Antique Impressionist Oil on Board by Richard H Bassett
Located in Exton, PA
Exquisite and brilliantly colored oil painting on board by Richard Horace Bassett (1900-1995). This impressionist rendition of landscape was probably executed circa 1930, or earlier,...
Category
1930s Abstract Art
Materials
Oil
Earth Balance, Contemporary Abstract Painting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This painting uses simple geometric shapes and color harmony to explore balance and the relationship between positive and negative space. Cool blues and warm green shapes bring a sen...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Children of the World: Night Sky #2
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Children of the World: Night Sky #1
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
"End of a Long Journey" - Abstract Expressionist Composition - Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
"End of a Long Journey" - Abstract Expressionist Composition - Acrylic on Canvas
Bold composition by California artist Charles "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018). A bright yellow ...
Category
1990s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Children of the World
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
"Five Pound Painting" - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
"Five Pound Painting" - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas
Vibrant and expressive composition by California artist Charles "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018)....
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars, Other Medium
Asphalt Jungle, black and white, interior, crime scene, narrative
By Tom Bennett
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dramatic imagery from FILM NOIR series of black and white monotypes, blending surreal mindscapes with stark realism
About Tom Bennett:
With quick brushstrokes, Tom Bennett creates r...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Archival Paper, Monotype
Children of the World Mix #3
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Children of the World: Barnish
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Violet 1, Painting, Acrylic on Watercolor Paper
By Lisa Bolin
Located in Yardley, PA
A dreamy burst of colour beautifully framed and ready to add a pop of violet--colour of the year--to that special space you have in mind. The wash of tones range from lilac to orchi...
Category
2010s Abstract Art
Materials
Acrylic
'Abstract, Coral and Blue', Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois Design Institute
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right, 'Fink' for Ray Fink (American, 1922-1998) and painted circa 1985.
A substantial oil by this well-listed American Abstractionist who studied at the Art Institute ...
Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Plaster, Oil
Children of the World
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Children of the World: Standing Tall #5
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Children of the World: Standing Tall #6
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Ruz Black Golden Yellow original abstract acrylic canvas
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
window to space original abstract acrylic canvas painting
contemporary work by the artist Rafael RUZ
Framed
RUZ, Rafael (Barcelona 1956)
While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Children of the World: Standing Tall #1
Located in Southampton, NY
Inspired by various facets of his own life story, Salvadoran-American artist J Oscar Molina creates work that seamlessly bridges cultures, industries, and feelings. With a commitment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Abstract art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract art available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Sumit Mehndiratta, Giorgio Lo Fermo, Francisco Nicolás, and Dadodu . Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Synthetic Resin Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Abstract art, so small editions measuring 0.02 inches across are also available.